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Embracing the New Urban Era: Gibela’s Vision for Rail at Smarter Mobility Africa

September 24, 2024

Embracing the New Urban Era: Gibela’s Vision for Rail at Smarter Mobility Africa SummitGibela, a trailblazer in South Africa’s rail industry, is cementing its position as a key player in revolutionizing rail transport by sponsoring the Rail Stage at Smarter Mobility Africa summit. Their involvement at the summit speaks to their unwavering commitment to enhance the continent’s mobility through sustainable and innovative rail solutions. As part of the Rail Stage, Gibela is not only showcasing its technological advancements but also playing a critical role in shaping the future of Africa’s rail transport systems. 

On Thursday, 3 October, 2024 Gibela will champion the Rail Stage at Smarter Mobility Africa summit. The discussions on this stage will focus on improving the efficiency and sustainability of moving people and goods across both urban and rural areas. Gibela, with its cutting-edge rail technologies and expertise, has been at the forefront of this movement. The company is well-known for its large-scale production of electric commuter trains, which are key to reducing the carbon footprint of public transport in South Africa while significantly enhancing mobility for millions of people. 

At the summit, Gibela will demonstrate its role in integrating rail into the wider sustainable urban mobility framework across Africa. As a leading force in modernizing South Africa’s rail infrastructure, the company is expected to discuss its state-of-the-art rail technologies, local manufacturing initiatives, and contributions to job creation. These align seamlessly with the summit’s core theme of building resilient, future-ready transport infrastructure. By prioritizing skills development and investing in local talent, Gibela is also contributing to Africa’s economic growth and helping to achieve environmental goals. 

The heart of Gibela’s success lies in its pioneering efforts to localize South Africa’s rail industry. Through its commitment to local manufacturing, Gibela has made tremendous strides in developing a fully South African commuter train industry. The company has localized a significant portion of its supply chain, sourcing parts and services from South African suppliers. This approach has fostered job creation, skills development, and innovation within the country, while also contributing to the broader national and continental goals of sustainable development and economic resilience. 

Gibela’s commitment to localization doesn’t stop at manufacturing; it extends into the community. The company has prioritized fostering local talent, with training programs designed to equip South Africans with the skills needed to thrive in the rail industry. These initiatives align with the broader objectives of the Smarter Mobility Africa summit, which emphasizes the importance of building inclusive and future-ready mobility systems that benefit both people and the planet. 

In addition to its focus on rail, Gibela is helping to reshape Africa’s broader mobility landscape. By investing in infrastructure, local manufacturing, and cutting-edge rail solutions, the company is playing a key role in driving Africa’s transition toward smarter, more sustainable transport systems. 

 Gibela’s participation in the Smarter Mobility Africa summit showcases its vital role in modernizing and greening Africa’s rail systems. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and local impact, Gibela is not just a leader in the rail industry but a pioneer in building a more sustainable, efficient, and socially inclusive mobility  future for the continent. With its localized approach, Gibela continues to set the standard for what it means to be a truly African success story in the rail sector. 

Join the Rail Stage on the 3rd of October to hear directly from Gibela about their groundbreaking innovations and vision for the future of rail in Africa. And to see these innovations in action, embark on a site visit to Gibela’s manufacturing facility on October 4th. 

Register now to secure your spot at Smarter Mobility Africa and be part of shaping Africa’s mobility future. 

About the author

Adelaide Moeng
Conference Production Coordinator
My Name is Adelaide Moeng,I am an Honors Student just finished at The University of Witwatersrand,I double majored in Media and Communications and Film and Television,I also worked part time at Voice of Wits as a presenter and a content producer.
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